principal quantum number

American

[prin-suh-puhl kwon-tuhm nuhm-ber] / ˈprɪn sə pəl ˈkwɒn təm ˈnʌm bər /

noun

Physics.

the nonnegative, integral quantum number that defines the stationary orbits in the Bohr model of the atom.

principal quantum number Scientific

/ prĭn′sə-pəl /

See under quantum number

Etymology

Origin of principal quantum number

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

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principal quantum number

The principal quantum number defines the location of the energy level.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

This is called a degeneracy, and the energy levels for the same principal quantum number, n, are called degenerate orbitals.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

The principal quantum number, n, can be any positive integer.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

Each value of the principal quantum number n thus corresponds to an atomic shell into which a limited number of electrons can go.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

We define n to be the principal quantum number that labels the basic states of a system.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023